How to write Haiku

Let's Keep It Real

So you want to write Haiku. Good job now as a haiku poet myself let me keep it real before actually explaining the "rules" of haiku and how to write one.

First: It's okay to bend the rules. Even Basho one of the most famous Haiku poets and even considered the father of haiku himself bent the rules. Its not hard to find haikus by him that didn't have 17 syllables. 

The whole point of haiku is not the structure as many of these blogs made it seem. Its about capturing the moment. Keeping it simple, being present, understanding your present so well you can articulate with few words. I see many haiku poets focus so much on the structure that they add or omit certain words. I can tell when a writer is focusing more on the structure than the moment. Being in the moment is the most important in my opinion. 

There are many places to share your haikus like facebook groups and BlueSky have amazing poetry communities are the are active and supportive. One of my favorite is a Facebook group called The Daily Haiku. On BlueSky add the free Micropoetry and pin it and you will find many haiku writers and lovers supporting you and encouraging you. Haiku is not dead! So come join us and share your poetry!

Now lets get into how to write a haiku.
 

Haiku is a traditional Japanese poetic form. While seemingly simple, crafting a good haiku requires careful consideration of imagery, language, and the overall feeling you wish to evoke. This guide will walk you through the process:

Understanding the Structure:

Haiku follows a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. This means:

  • First line: 5 syllables
  • Second line: 7 syllables
  • Third line: 5 syllables
 

Choosing a Subject:

Traditionally, haiku focus on nature, seasons, or fleeting moments. While you can explore other themes, these are great starting points. Consider:

  • Seasonal imagery: Think about the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with each season.
  • Specific moments: Capture a brief, vivid experience, like watching a bird take flight or feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.
  • Simple beauty: Find beauty in everyday things, like a dewdrop on a leaf or the sound of rain.
 
Speaking of seasons, haiku usually includes seasonal words

Japanese seasonal words are called kigo. Using these can add depth and cultural context to your haiku. Remember, the season word often implies a whole range of associated feelings and imagery. Here are some common ones.

Spring (Haru):

  • Blooming cherry blossoms (sakura): Represents beauty, fragility, and the fleeting nature of life.
  • Warm breeze (harukaze): Evokes a sense of renewal and gentle beginnings.
  • Young leaves (wakaba): Symbolizes new growth and vitality.
  • Spring rain (harusame): A gentle, cleansing rain that nourishes the earth.
  • Frogs (kawazu): Their croaking is a classic sign of spring.
  • Mist (kasumi): The hazy spring air.

Summer (Natsu):

  • Summer heat (atsusa): Represents the intensity and energy of summer.
  • Fireflies (hotaru): Their glowing light symbolizes magic and fleeting beauty.
  • Cicadas (semi): Their buzzing sound is synonymous with summer.
  • Cool breeze (suzushisa): A welcome relief from the summer heat.
  • Summer grasses (natsu-kusa): Symbolize abundance and growth.
  • Rain (yuudachi): Sudden summer downpours.

Autumn (Aki):

  • Autumn leaves (momiji): Represent the beauty and transience of life.
  • Harvest moon (meigetsu): A symbol of abundance and gratitude.
  • Crickets (kōrogi): Their chirping signifies the arrival of autumn.
  • Cool air (akikaze): A crisp, refreshing breeze.
  • Falling leaves (ochiba): A reminder of the cycle of life and death.
  • Chrysanthemums (kiku): A traditional autumn flower.

Winter (Fuyu):

  • Snow (yuki): Represents purity, stillness, and the quiet beauty of winter.
  • Cold wind (fuyukaze): A harsh but invigorating force.
  • Bare branches (kareki): A symbol of resilience and endurance.
  • Snowflakes (yuki no hana): Delicate and unique, like winter flowers.
  • Frost (shimo): A sign of the cold’s touch.
  • Camellia (tsubaki): A winter-blooming flower.
 

Using Kigo Effectively:

  • Choose a kigo that resonates with your poem’s theme and imagery.
  • Don’t just mention the kigo; integrate it into the poem’s overall scene.
  • Consider the feelings and associations that the kigo evokes.
 

Choosing the right words is crucial for conveying your meaning effectively.

  • Use precise language: Avoid vague or generic words. Be specific in your descriptions.
  • Consider the rhythm: While haiku doesn’t have a strict rhythm, the flow of words should feel natural and pleasing.
  • Keep it concise: Every word should contribute to the overall image and feeling. After all you only have 17 syllables to play with.
 

Tips for Improvement:

  • Read lots of haiku: The more you read, the better you’ll understand the form and its possibilities.
  • Practice regularly: The best way to improve is to write often.
  • Get feedback: Share your haiku with others and ask for their thoughts.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment: While the 5-7-5 structure is important, you can still play with language and imagery to create your own unique haiku.
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